Lisa Zmuda

I was 19 years old when Whitney burst into the scene with her one of a kind, outrageous ly gorgeous voice (and face) -- as a teen, I suspected she had an easy entry into the music industry because her mother was famed gospel singer Cissy Houston and her cousin was top artist Dionne Warwick. I remember singing alongside all of the incredible songs (whether hits or not) I just kept flipping the album over! At 19, I saw Whitney (23) as a role model and wondered if she truly appreciated her lucky 🍀 lot in life? Model looks, flawless voice, youth, health, a loving family, a committed career advocate (Clive) and of course all of the trappings that came along with this level of success. I was a poor, lost, hungry, directionless and home/food insecure teen. As the years went on, I fought and clawed my way out of a ery dark hole as I watched her act recklessly with her fortune and gifts. There is no doubt she had the most beautiful voice of her (our) generation and yet I've been disappointed at her choices at every turn. What I didn't realize (until this film) was that she was a lesbian being forced into a mold by her parents, producer and society. Everyone assumed she wanted to be a princess and a barbie doll we could dress up for our viewing pleasure. She was lost from the beginning. Her parents religious beliefs made her believe she would go to hell for who she loved. Her parents, church and others, refused to allow her to have independent thoughts or creative expression. Yes. Her. Voice. Was. Incredible. Yet, her story should be viewed as a warning. Be careful whose voice you allow in your head, anything other than your own instinct, intuition and authenticity can lead you to destruction. R.I.P. Ms. Whitney, I think this movie barely scraped the surface of who you were. It felt flat and while the actress gave it her all, the singing was a sad second to yours.#twothumbsdown